REP. STEVE GOTTWALT RESIGNS TO BE A LOBBYIST

Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud) decided to leave Minnesota House of Representatives after serving 4 terms and second member to resign after Rep. Terry Morrow (DFL-St. Peter). He have taken job with Center for Diagnostic Imaging, a healthcare company in continuing its leadership in providing high quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services as a Lobbyist. He cannot stay as State Representative and being a Lobbyist due to conflict of interest and it was very tough decision for him.

Here is his resignation letter to fellow House Members:

Dear Colleagues:

At the beginning of December, I announced the great news that I had joined Center for Diagnostic Imaging as Director of State Legislative Policy, in a national role assisting this healthcare company in continuing its leadership in providing high quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services.  My role at the CDI Quality Institute is to understand and translate the complex state healthcare regulatory environment in more than 25 states in which the company sees patients, and I am proud to be working with a healthcare company actively seeking solutions at a critical time for health care across the country.

As I’ve settled in at CDI, I see the states are once again the laboratory of democracy, and each is finding its own approach to implementing the new federal healthcare law.  It’s a huge set of changes, and it makes this position one to which I must fully commit as much time and focus as possible.  It quite simply is more than a full time job, and one that will not allow me the time I need to represent the people of District 14A as their State Representative.

That is why I have made the difficult decision to resign my seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives before the end of the month. I thank you, my colleagues, for our years of service together, and my constituents for their confidence in electing me to represent them. I will always appreciate the deep honor and privilege of serving the residents of St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and Rockville.

Sincerely in service,

Rep. Steve Gottwalt

House District 14A

Gov. Mark Dayton has not called on special election. Stay tuned for updates on special election. 

REP. TERRY MORROW RESIGNS TO TAKE NEW JOB

Rep. Terry Morrow of St. Peter announced on his Facebook page that he is not coming back for 2013 legislative session. He is taking new job in Chicago and he wrote an open letter on his Facebook page: 

Hello, all:

Here's the letter about today's announcement:
___

With gratitude, with anticipation, and with some sadness, I announce that I have accepted the position of legislative director of the Uniform Law Commission based in Chicago. I will not be returning to the Minnesota House of Representatives when it opens the 2013 session on January 8.

After Election Day, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) approached me to discuss an exciting opportunity to lead its legislative efforts across the United States and to work with other countries on multinational legal issues. The ULC provides states with non-partisan, well-drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability to state statutory law. This is an exciting opportunity for me to continue contributing to the public good in a new and challenging manner.

My family and I have not made this decision lightly. We balanced as best we could meeting the ULC’s timeline with minimizing the impact upon students and colleagues at Gustavus Adolphus College, District 19A’s residents, the House DFL Caucus, our friends, and ourselves. We weighed many factors, including moving to a new state, changing high schools, and preparing the Gustavus fall 2013 course schedule. Departing a community and college and friends with whom we have shared our lives for almost 20 years led us to reflect carefully on this choice. Living here, raising our children here, working here has been a blessed experience for Martha and me.

I am proud to have worked with the wonderful people of my district for the past six years. As I move on, I am reassured to know that Highway 14 is safer, with more improvements to come. Together, we provided more homeless veteran housing, strengthened the Minnesota Prairie Line, supported our students and schools, and achieved other legislative successes. My work with the district’s parents, teachers, farmers, businesses, local leaders, and others has left a lasting impact upon me. My legislative colleagues have taught me how to govern with compassion, intelligence, and commitment to the public good. I will take the lessons I have learned in Minnesota about sound policy and public service and apply them across our nation and overseas.

To me, being a representative has always been about public service, not the specific individual in the office. District 19A has so many gifted and dedicated people that I leave knowing that constituents will be well represented for years to come. Representing this area for six years has been a wonderful, rewarding experience; it’s an honor that I will always treasure.

My family and I are comforted in knowing that folks throughout the district and state will offer us their support as we take a new direction in our lives. We wish the very best for District 19A and Minnesota.

Sincerely,
Terry Morrow

Rep. Morrow have been elected to House three times since 2006. During 2012 election, he was unopposed. 

ATKINS ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID, WILL NOT RUN FOR CONGRESS

State Rep. Joe Atkins finalized his decision to seek re-election to the Minnesota House at his daughter’s high school basketball game on Wednesday night. There had been wide speculation until now that Atkins would run for Congress in Minnesota’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District.

“I may or may not get more chances to run for higher office, but I only get one chance at being a good dad,” said Atkins. “Being in Washington, D.C. at this point would not allow me to be involved in my family and in our community as much as I would like.” Atkins and his wife, Julia, have three children, ages 18, 17 and 15.

Just prior to his daughter’s game on Wednesday, Atkins passed bipartisan legislation to the House floor to protect Minnesotans from sophisticated internet and telephone scams. The scams, which are tied to organized crime and have victimized over 100,000 Minnesotans so far, often target senior citizens and vulnerable adults. Atkins’s legislation is AARP’s top priority at the Capitol this session.

“My ability to pass important, bipartisan legislation, even as a member of the minority, was definitely a key factor in my decision to seek re-election to the Minnesota House,” Atkins said. With strong relationships on both sides of the aisle, Representative Atkins has passed more bipartisan legislation over the last four years than any other state representative, according to data compiled by non-partisan staff.

Rep. Atkins has passed bipartisan laws to improve fire safety, protect retirement accounts, decrease meth labs, and make college more affordable for middle-class families. For his efforts, he has earned a variety of awards, including being named “Legislator of the Year” by Minnesota’s firefighters. 

Atkins said he is kicking off his re-election campaign this weekend by going to door-to-door in Mendota Heights and Eagan, which were recently added to his legislative district, and will start door-knocking in Inver Grove Heights next weekend.

“That probably means we’ll finally get a foot of snow and it will be 20 below zero,” Atkins joked.

On Saturday night, though, Atkins will put politics aside. He’ll be sitting in the stands watching his daughter and the Simley girls basketball team in the section semifinals.

REP. KNUTH NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION

(SAINT PAUL) — Today, Representative Kate Knuth (DFL – New Brighton) announced she will not be seeking re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Rep. Knuth released the following statement:

“Representing my neighbors in New Brighton, Arden Hills, Shoreview and Fridley in the Minnesota House of Representatives is an honor. Running for and serving in office has allowed me to get to know my community and its geography and people in a unique and fulfilling way. I am so grateful for the many wonderful people who have taken the time to help me do this job well.

“I am proud of the work we do together to make Minnesota an exceptional place to live. In particular, I am proud to have worked with local leaders on environmental cleanup and redevelopment needs in my community. I am also glad that Minnesota is on a cleaner, more homegrown energy path because of work we have done over the last few years.

“While I will not be seeking reelection, I look forward to serving my neighbors through this term. I will continue to seek out ways in which to contribute to making Minnesota, and the world, a healthier and more sustainable place. I consider myself lucky to love Minnesota, my home state, more than I can fully describe. My service, leadership, and life’s work will always be firmly rooted in this place and its people.”

Susan Allen swearing in video

Rep. Susan Allen, first Native American woman elected to Minnesota Legislature (and fourth in the nation) was sworn in during very brief ceremony on the Minnesota House of Representatives floor with her family, friends, campaign volunteers and Capitol coworkers including myself (Luckily I was getting done with my shift to attend this event). This would be my best first day back at my Capitol job besides free staff appreciation lunch courtesy of Minnesota State Senate. People who came to the Capitol was brave enough to come in when it was subzero weather outside because as what Rep. Allen said, Native Americans can make it through really cold outside because it is Minnesota. 


As you may notice I was on the floor, I was there to witness the history and it was like Rep. Allen is "Ricky Rubio" (for people who are not into NBA, Ricky is newest Minnesota Timberwolves player) of the Minnesota Legislature that may bring in more excitement regardless of GOP being the majority. With Rep. Allen being latest addition to the Legislature, it should be most interesting session to watch.  


Rep. Allen will be one to be most watched at the Capitol by Legislative junkies and insiders like myself and the media. 


If you was wondering whose desk I sat at, it was Rep. David Dill's seat. Rarely the House floor would be open to the public like this but only when there is special event. During the ceremony, I could feel the vibration of the drum that was played by Little Thunderbirds because it was very close to where I was sitting. They did played music before the ceremony and I could feel the vibration when I was standing by House Chamber gate. Allen's words was very amazing and very inspiring. 


I was blessed to be part of this history that I could witness my new coworker being sworn in. It was very awesome. One of many reasons I love working at the Capitol is that I get to interact with Legislators on regular basis and meeting different people.


2012 Session Opener starts on Tuesday, January 24 and if you are at the Capitol, you will be able to watch Rep. Allen in action for first time at noon. 


Rep. Susan Allen replaced Jeff Hayden who is in the Senate. She represent house district 61B that is part of South Minneapolis. She won special election on January 10. 

Rep. Greiling Retires After Long Career Focused on Education, Mental Health Reform

St. Paul, MN – Currently serving her 10th term, State Representative Mindy Greiling (DFL – Roseville) announced her retirement from the State Legislature today. Rep. Greiling will continue to serve until the end of the upcoming session. 

During her tenure, Rep. Greiling focused her legislative efforts on properly funding and reforming Minnesota’s public education system, serving as Chair of the House Education Finance Committee for four years and transitioning to DFL-Lead on the same committee in 2010. In addition to her work on education, Rep. Greiling was a strong legislative advocate for improving the way we perceive and treat mental health in Minnesota. 

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Senate District 54. Serving has enriched my life with a great sense of purpose for the common good. 

“I was proud to lead the legislative charge in the Minnesota House of Representatives to reform and properly fund our mental health system. We increased funding more than in any other legislative session in the history of our state. 

“However, I must honestly say, that I am leaving with a heavy heart that we now owe our public schools $3.45 billion, over $4,200 per student. I have been proud to author a sweeping education finance reform bill, developed by a broad coalition, which would properly fund schools at the state level and make the system fairer and more welcome to local innovations. I am hopeful to see enactment of this plan in the future. 

“While I announce my retirement today, I look forward to serving out the conclusion of my term. We still have much work to be done and I intend to continue fighting for the best interests of people.”

State Rep. Bobby Joe Champion announces plans to seek Senate seat.

St. Paul-- State Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL- Minneapolis) announced his intention to seek the Senate District 58 Seat being vacated by Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL- Minneapolis).

"I am inspired by my Senator, and I wish her all the best as she continues to advocate for the people of Minnesota. I can only hope to continue her work and represent the needs and values of our district in the State Senate.”

“We cannot continue to take out loans on our children’s futures to pay for the services we need today, “ Champion said. “We need an education system that gives all kids the opportunity to succeed; budget policies that ask the wealthiest Minnesotans to pay their fair share; equal access to quality health care; improvements in our affordable housing; and smart investments in economic development and jobs. I look forward to bringing my voice to the Senate just as I’ve done in the House.”

Champion was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2008, and said he is eager to continue fighting for a better Minnesota, with a priority on using balanced budget approaches.

Outside serving in the Minnesota House, Champion meets the needs of his community as an attorney, with a focus on family law and juvenile justice. Champion lives in the Lyn Park neighborhood in Minneapolis with his wife Dr. Angela Champion and their children.

Dill recovers from kidney transplant

State Rep. Dave Dill of Crane Lake received a new kidney Tuesday at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

By: News Tribune Staff, Duluth News Tribune

State Rep. Dave Dill of Crane Lake received a new kidney Tuesday at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

According to Dill’s family, the procedure went as scheduled and he is up and walking and feeling well. He could be released from the hospital as early as Saturday, House DFL spokesperson Sandy Connolly said.

“Rep. Dill extends his appreciation for all the love and prayers of support he has received, and is looking forward to a full recovery,” Connolly said.

Dill, 55, has battled diabetes and kidney problems for many years. He underwent gastric bypass surgery two years ago and lost more than 150 pounds, resolving his diabetes issues. But the previous damage to his kidneys was not repairable, and his kidney function has slowly deteriorated to the level that a transplant was necessary.

Dill is running for his fifth consecutive term in the House. He faces a challenge in the Nov. 2 general election from Republican Jim Tuomala of Babbitt.

MEMORIAL SERVICE DATE SET FOR FORMER STATE REP KATHLEEN SEKHON'S DAUGHTER

Former State Representative Kathleen Sekhon's Daughter, Rachael Diana Sekhon passed away sometimes during summer due to complication of virus. The family have set up memorial services. Here is the link:

Rachael Diana Sekhon obitbuary

The memorial service have set for Oct 9th. Kathleen Sekhon was elected twice to House in 1992 and 1996.

The First Branch of Government: NCSL Film Rediscovered

Rach's Note: That was from 1970's where people was allowed to smoke in buildings and the advanced technology was typewriter. There was no Laptops, blackberries, Ipods, and cellphones. there may be familar faces of old timers such as Martin Olav Sabo who later get elected to Congress. Click on title of film to watch the video.

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

by Pam Greenberg

[Note: This article was originally posted in May 2009. Repairing a broken link to the video caused it to be re-published today.]

The Minnesota Legislative Research Library has uncovered a lost treasure: a documentary film about the legislative process written and produced for NCSL in 1976 by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Charles Guggenheim, whose Academy-award winning films included Nine From Little Rock, A Time for Justice, and The Johnstown Flood.

The 30-minute documentary film, The First Branch of Government: From Grass Roots to Law, follows former Minnesota Representative Thomas Berg (photo) as he attempts to pass The Metropolitan Land Planning Act.

Former Representative Ray Faricy converted the film from its original format to DVD and gave it to the library, which in turn converted it to a media file format and made it available to all through the Legislature’s website.

The film begins, “Every year, 7,565 Americans travel to their state capitals to work. These citizen legislators carry with them the concerns and aspirations of their people—values which will ultimately determine the future of our children, our institutions and the quality of our land. This is the story of one of them—and the men and women who have joined him in performing this work.”


As Library Director Robbie LaFleur observes:

“Many of the scenes and sounds are anachronistic—typewriters clacking, people smoking in offices and committee rooms, and window air conditioners. Check out the plaid jackets! There are no cell phones or laptops in sight. But the human process of the Legislature that is portrayed is just as real today. Constituents have conflicting needs, priorities need balancing, and sometimes a legislator becomes irritated at roadblocks to the passage of a bill. Frustrating floor debates drag on and end in disappointment. It's difficult to balance the demands of office with home life. The film could be shown in a civics class today.”

The film really makes you feel as though you are standing in Representative Berg's shoes. He and others in the film seem totally unaware of the cameras and crew. There are scenes of Berg meeting with his constituents, talking with local officials, driving hundreds of miles on snowy roads for hearings throughout the state, and strategizing with colleagues. Berg is also faced with compromise—changing his bill in order to win wider support or risk losing the cause completely. A businessman opens his testimony at a committee hearing with: “Well, I’m one of those nasty developers...” Berg also talks with school kids in the chamber, telling them “I really hope in about 20 years several of you will be sitting out there in those seats, trying to decide what’s best for the state of Minnesota.”

The film ends by stating NCSL’s mission at that time (similar to, but shorter than our current mission):

“As an organization of the nation’s legislators and legislative staff, we have an obligation to the American people:

•To improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures
•To assure states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal decision-making process
•To foster interstate communication and cooperation
We intend to live up to that obligation.”

The film may not go viral on YouTube, but among legislative junkies or legislator wannabe's, it's a must see.

Rep. Steve Gottwalt E-Newsletter Update 5-18-10

Rach's note: Rep. Steve Gottwalt posted this on his Facebook page and with his permission, I can post this in case if my readers whose are living in his district wondering what Rep. Gottwalt have to say at end of 2010 Legislative Session.

Rep. Steve Gottwalt E-Newsletter Update 5-18-10

Dear Neighbor:

The 2010 Legislative Session, and the brief special session, are over --
"sine die." Your State Legislature and Governor Pawlenty were able to
reach agreement on a proposal that eliminates Minnesota’s $3 billion
budget deficit for this year without tax increases, and without
extending our time in St. Paul. I'm sure that's the result most
Minnesotans wanted.

While I'm pleased we balanced the budget for this year, the deeper
concern is for next year when we expect to face a state budget deficit
of $7 billion. Unfortunately, the majority in charge of our legislature
again managed to ignore our long term budget problems. This year's
budget settlement does little to help grow private sector jobs, downsize
government, reform state programs, or cut spending long-term.

The deal, reached just before midnight Sunday night, balances the budget
primarily by shifting $2 billion of K-12 education funding to the next
biennium, and approving Governor Pawlenty's unallotments for this year
only.

It also includes a controvercial option for the next governor to put
more than 100,000 Minnesotans into Medicaid through the ObamaCare
federal health program. As I have mentioned before, tieing ourselves to
ObamaCare is deeply concerning, especially since there is no assurance
of federal funding for this after 2014. The entire cost would then fall
on Minnesota taxpayers!

This year's budget settlement is a missed opportunity to reform
government, and spend tax dollars more efficiently and effectively.
Instead of working hard to set good priorities and live within our
means, the majority in charge kicked the can down the road to next year
when the challenge will be bigger than ever.

Again, for those who believe the solution is higher taxes on "wealthy"
Minnesotans, the facts suggest otherwise. Minnesota's spending has grown
at a double-digit rate for decades, while our economy and revenues have
not. We cannot continue to grow government at the expense of jobs and
job creators. It's killing the "goose" that lays Minnesota's "golden
eggs."

The need for true reform could not be clearer! But this year, the
legislature chose to ignore future liabilities for Minnesotans, and
continue to deficit spend. (Frankly, that's the same approach driving
our crippling federal deficit.) By permanently reforming government
spending, we could have taken a significant chunk out of next year’s
projected budget deficit. Instead, we’ve taken care of only the current
problem, and will leave the future shortfall to a new legislature and
new governor.

I have to admit, it's been great to get home after this session and see
my beautiful family, enjoy the wonderful weather, and focus more energy
on my "regular" job. I also know we have much more work to do! This
summer, I will participate in legislative discussions aimed at reducing
and streamlining the legislature and government, and moving forward with
common sense health care reforms for state programs. We have a great
deal of extremely challenginmg work ahead, and I appreciate your
confidence in allowing me to represent you at our State Legislature.
Thank you, and please keep in touch!

Sincerely in service,

Rep. Steve Gottwalt
House District 15A
St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and Rockville